Judges of the Papua New Guinea Judiciary gathered on 2 February 2026 for the formal Opening of the 2026 Legal Year, held at the newly commissioned Supreme and National Court Complex in Waigani. The dedication service was led by the Chief Justice of Papua New Guinea, Sir Gibbs Salika, consistent with constitutional and judicial tradition.

The Opening of the Legal Year is a significant institutional event in the judicial calendar, marking collective recommitment by Judges, Magistrates, court administrators, and justice sector partners to the effective administration of justice and the maintenance of high professional standards across the courts.

Among those attending were Judges of the Supreme and National Courts, Magistrates, members of the legal profession, and representatives from across the Law and Justice Sector, including the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Papua New Guinea Correctional Service. The Papua New Guinea Centre for Judicial Excellence (PNGCJE) was represented by Justice John Carey, Judge Administrator, together with staff of the Centre.

Proceedings commenced with the customary march from Independence Boulevard, led by Chief Justice Sir Gibbs Salika and Deputy Chief Justice Ambeng Kandakasi, followed by Judges, Magistrates, lawyers, and court officials. A Guard of Honour by officers of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary and the Correctional Service underscored the shared responsibility of justice institutions in upholding the rule of law.

In his address, the Chief Justice acknowledged the contribution of justice sector partners to the work of the courts and commended the Judiciary for its efforts during the 2025 legal year, expressing confidence that the 2026 legal year would continue in the spirit captured by the theme “Preserve, Maintain and Improve.”

The attendance of Judges and judicial leaders at the Opening of the Legal Year reflected the Judiciary’s collective commitment to court excellence, institutional integrity, and continuous improvement. The presence of the Judge Administrator of PNGCJE reinforced the Centre’s supporting role in strengthening judicial performance through education, leadership development, and capacity-building initiatives across Papua New Guinea and the Pacific region.

PNGCJE continues to support the Judiciary by working alongside Judges and court administrators to improve professional standards, promote consistency in judicial practice, and enhance public confidence in the administration of justice.